The Art Kids of San Diego County Say Goodbye to Imperial Beach in a Very Special Way

The Art Kids of San Diego County donated more than $1,300 in art materials for yesterday's Imperial Beach Kids Fest.

Volunteers time was also donated to help make the event a very special occasion. Participating in this incredible and very successful event was our way to say goodbye to the community.

The director and founder of the organization is saying goodbye to Imperial Beach as their location for Saturday morning art classes.

We may show up from time to time to support the kids and their art activities but weekly classes will now be held near the Chula Vista Marina.

After the manner in which the city treated us after all the good that we have done for the Imperial Beach community, it is healthier for The Kids to have their lessons in Chula Vista.

There we will concentrate on the beautification of Chula Vista and making a difference to kids in that area.

Yes, the classes will still be open to anyone that wishes to attend, but we will no longer be hamstringed by the City of Imperial Beach and its employees that have no idea of what they are doing.

Instead of praising the kids for all the beauty and good they have done for the community, the City of Imperial Beach sits on its backside, passes judgement and makes threats of fines because their egos get in their way.

The City of Chula Vista has opened their arms to the kids and want them there to help improve the artistic environment, especially for kids. They have praised the kids for their art and make them feel wonderful.

At the Saturday event in Imperial Beach, I did not see one city official nor anyone from the mayor's office to experience what a wonderful thing the Port had done for the City of Imperial Beach.

Oh yes, I forgot: they were all too busy making up violations that tear down the individuality of a person or more important sitting at a local bar having a beer and trying to run city issues from a bar stool. 

Of course they never investigated the violation to see if there is any resolve.

When the license was immediately paid for and brought up to date, well all of a sudden another issue appeared. Mysteriously there was another complaint and it took the city over 10 weeks to resolve that issue. 

And boy was Code Compliance Officer David Garcias happy about shutting down a bunch of young artists that did nothing more than beautify the City of Imperial Beach.

As I spoke to him he made it very clear that he would fine us if we used any public park for our lessons. He was so proud of himself for being able to throw all of that weight around. 

The difference is that The Kids recently attended an event in Chula Vista and the assistant to the deputy mayor and a city councilwoman from Chula Vista were there. They both commented on how wonderful the kids art work was and that they were extremely happy to have us come to their community. They also praised the kids for their performance at the Del Mar Fair .

For those of you that have supported the kids I thank you from my heart. For those in the city government I can only say to you go forth and multiply yourself.

Last Friday Bibbey's Shell Shop was severly tagged on three walls. The damage amounted to over $3,000.

The most important thing is to repair the art so that there is no evidence of any tagging. This art was done by The Art Kids for the people of Imperial Beach. The mural was and is an expression of the love we have for all those who love art. We want you to take pride in what is seen in this community.

I went down to Bibbey's and talked with Mike. It took some time but all evidence of the grafitti is now gone. The mural has been restored to its original appearance.

I live in Imperial Beach, as do my friends and students, but I will not allow them to be exposed to the unfair and unjust people who do not give a hoot about the magnificent gift we have through these young people.

The city no longer deserves to have these magnificent kids and their fantastic art. I say goodbye from me and the marvelous kids that made Imperial Beach just a bit better to look at because of our art.